Lahore (Punjab), Pakistan, 06 November (H.S.): At least 11 people were killed and 33 others injured when a passenger bus collided with a truck near Pakpattan in Pakistan’s Punjab province. According to Rescue 1122, the accident occurred on Thursday, with all 11 victims dying at the scene. Eight people sustained minor injuries, while 25 others were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Pakpattan for treatment.

Pakpattan is a historic city situated in the south-central part of Punjab province, on the right bank of the Sutlej River. It is also the administrative headquarters of Pakpattan District. The city lies approximately 179–184 kilometres southwest of Lahore, the provincial capital, and around 205 kilometres from Multan. It is also located nearly 40 kilometres from the international border with India.

According to a report by Dawn, quoting a press release issued by the district administration, the accident took place on Depalpur Road. A passenger bus travelling from Multan to Kasur collided with a truck approaching from the opposite direction.

Following the incident, Deputy Commissioner Asif Raza and District Police Officer Javed Iqbal Chadhar reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation in coordination with teams from Rescue 1122 and the district administration.

The three-hour-long rescue operation involved the use of cranes and other heavy machinery to extricate passengers trapped in the wreckage. Given the severity of the accident, additional rescue and medical resources were mobilised to assist the victims.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief and sorrow over the incident. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. She wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery and conveyed her heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the accident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar